Page 136 of The Way We Collide

The clock is running down. We’re one point behind. The game could go either way, and every play counts. We need to score; they need to stop us.

We’re facing each other eye to eye at the 20-yard line. It’s first and ten.

The snap happens, and 53 races forward, but I roll. A safety is coming up from the side, and I step out of his way. Roger is covering Tyler along with two other guys, but their defense is coming in like a wall. All I can think isrun.

I dig in and head for the end zone. Looking over my shoulder, I lock eyes with Tyler, and he nods. He has one second—all the time he needs to plant his feet and fire off a perfect pass.

I’m not entirely open, but without interference, I’ve got it. Running at top speed, I’m one with the ball. It’s soaring to melike a bird preparing to land. I reach out, ready to snatch it, but a cornerback is right there.

It doesn’t matter. I’ve got it. It’s smooth as silk, right into my arms, and I fly, sailing through the air, bracing for impact.

Don’t think hitting the ground doesn’t rattle my brain and hurt like hell. It does, but nothing is sweeter than completing this pass.

The catch is good. I hold it to my chest just long enough for the ref to call the touchdown, then I’m up, tossing him the ball and holding out my hands as my teammates plow into me.

We’re laughing and yelling. Some of the guys beat their chests. Rogers bangs his helmet against mine.

Tyler grips the front of my pads and shakes me, yelling. “That’s what I’m talking about!”

He pulls me into a hug. He’s so fucking happy, and I can’t stop laughing.

Our kicker comes out and handily sends it through the uprights, and it’s all over. We bagged the big one.

Confetti rains down on the field, and everybody rushes out to join us. I look up at the box where the familywas. I can’t wait for them to get out here.

The stadium is a mass of people yelling and waving their arms over their heads. Some people are twirling yellow flags. Tyler is at my side as the reporters surround us.

“How are you feeling right now, Hen?” The woman from ESPN leans close.

“Pretty darn good.” My cheeks ache, I’m grinning so hard.

“That last play—tell us what was going through your head.”

“I kept expecting somebody to hit me,” I laugh, moving side to side. “I turned around, and nobody was there.”

“Congratulations.” She smiles, and I turn for the next reporter only to freeze in place.

“You were amazing tonight, boo!” Mikayla stands in front of me in a body-hugging, royal blue dress holding a mic. “Congratulations!”

She steps forward to hug me, but I block her advance.What the fuck?

“What are you doing out here?” I can’t keep the annoyance out of my tone, even if her mic is still in my face.

“I’m a reporter for WeGot Sports!” Mikayla has the nerve to act excited. “I’m here to congratulate you on your win!”

“No.” I shake my head. “You don’t congratulate me. You don’t touch me. And I’m not your boo.”

“Hendrix…” she puts a hand on her chest. “What has that woman done to you?”

“That woman is my wife, and this is me.” I take a step closer, causing her to take a step back. “Raven is an incredible human being, who cares about people not follower counts, and I’m sick of you talking out your neck about shit you don’t understand.”

Her jaw drops, and I feel strong arms around my shoulders, holding me back. “Hey, bro, that was a killer play—get over here!”

The anger burning in my chest mixes with the adrenaline, but Garrett’s pulling me away. He’s about the only one who could after all the shit she’s said online about Raven since my near-fight in the parking lot.

I would never hurt a woman, but I seriously want her out of my celebration.

“You know I love to take out the trash.” My brother’s mouth is at my ear. “Let it go.”

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